iPod For a Runner - iPod Nano 6G vs. iPod Shuffle + iPod Nano 5G

[Littleodie914]

Hey guys, I'm a pretty avid runner, and up until now I've been using a 2nd generation iPod Nano for running. It's fairly old, with its share of quirks, and I have to use a case when running with it, which gets frustrating. (Frequently falls out, gets gross, etc.) I've done my research on the forum, but I'm having trouble coming to a conclusion.

Now that Apple's new iPod lineup is very runner-accessible, I'm having trouble making a decision between the two. Whichever I choose will be my only iPod, I have no classic, I don't add music to my phone, etc.

I have two options I'm considering, with the following goals in mind:

• Using the iPod for Road Trips (capacity is a factor)
• Running with the iPod (size is a factor)
• Budget is $150

My options are either a new iPod Nano 6G, or a combination of a refurbished iPod Nano 5G and a new-model iPod Shuffle. I'm weighing the pros/cons of each, but I was hoping anyone who owns any of the new models or old models and is a runner could voice their opinions.

iPod Nano 6G

• Pro: One iPod, nice and compact
• Pro: While running, can listen to radio, have access to full media library
• Pro/Con: Combination of capacity + size, but lacking in features
• Con: Very difficult to use when running (switching songs, etc.)

Refurb. iPod Nano 5G + New iPod Shuffle

• Pro: iPod Shuffle is perfect for running, lightweight and hardware controls
• Pro: iPod Nano 5G has additional features - photo/video camera, plays video (nice for road trips)
• Con: Missing out on the 'newness' of iPod Nano 6G
• Con: Limited access to media when running, have to add songs beforehand, no radio

Are there any runners out there who have an opinion on the new shuffle or new nano? Thanks!

 

[Koodauw]

Why not just get the iPod Nano 5G and use it for both? That way you won't have any of the cons of the shuffle. In my opinion Apple cut out the running community with the 6G Nano, but I have yet to see on in person so I might be wrong. It seems like it would be rather difficult to change songs without looking on the 6G nanos.

 

[Littleodie914]

Why not just get the iPod Nano 5G and use it for both? That way you won't have any of the cons of the shuffle. In my opinion Apple cut out the running community with the 6G Nano, but I have yet to see on in person so I might be wrong. It seems like it would be rather difficult to change songs without looking on the 6G nanos.

Yea, my biggest worry about the Nano 6G is the difficulty switching songs while running. (Due to the touch screen.)

The downside to running with a Nano 5G is I would still need to get a case, and it would be a bit heavier. (And, the usability while running would be somewhere between a shuffle and a Nano 6G)

 

[840quadra]

The new nano has 67% of the weight of the old one, so the weight shouldn't really be a huge consideration. I recently purchased the 5th generation Nano for similar reasons you did. You can control both models from the headphone controls (if you have compatible units), and having the click wheel is nice (who knows how long we can enjoy this on future ipods!!). For me (while running or biking), using the headphone controls and voiceover is a nice feature (both nanos and the shuffle will have this).

I have no regrets on my 5th generation. The sound quality is really good from this little thing, and I am watching MORE videos than I expected I ever would on it (video podcasts at work are a staple for me). I am saving the battery on my iPhone 4 more, and using the iPod when doing general work (small footprint is nice). I also use the voice recorder more than I expected, as having the built in speaker and mic is a NICE plus!!!

Newness is great, but sometimes a good solid (feature rich) classic is nice too.

 

[you39]

Yea, my biggest worry about the Nano 6G is the difficulty switching songs while running. (Due to the touch screen.)

The downside to running with a Nano 5G is I would still need to get a case, and it would be a bit heavier. (And, the usability while running would be somewhere between a shuffle and a Nano 6G)

Shuffle. Forget the bells and whistles for running. Focus on the sport, save rest of the money. If you have a use for a display while running you're not running.

 

[kfscoll]

Do you plan to use the Nike+ Sport Kit with your iPod nano? if so, you can add an iPod Watch Remote and change songs that way. I have both the 5G and 6G nano and, overall, I prefer the touchscreen to the click-wheel and I like the 6G's smalled form factor. Plus, I have to use a case to run with my 5G but, aside from that, either nano works perfectly well for running.

 

[hyteckit]

I run with my iPhone cause it has GPS and use various running/jogging apps.

 

[roland.g]

Do you use Nike+? Either way a 5G or 6G works. But I would still vote for 6G. I like them. I also say, spend the extra $30 for a 16GB. If capacity is a concern. If you have them, the iPhone headphones with controls will give you volume, play/pause, and track control on any iPod, but that could alleviate 6G concerns for you.

 

[Littleodie914]

Do you use Nike+? Either way a 5G or 6G works. But I would still vote for 6G. I like them. I also say, spend the extra $30 for a 16GB. If capacity is a concern. If you have them, the iPhone headphones with controls will give you volume, play/pause, and track control on any iPod, but that could alleviate 6G concerns for you.

I used to use Nike+, but I found it to be a bit inaccurate, even after a few calibrations. (Being off by 5-10% can be a big deal. )

I think I've decided on a 16GB 5th gen Nano, and a new iPod Shuffle. Pushing the envelope price-wise, as it's $30 more than what I was hoping to spend, but I think I could probably fill up the 8GB pretty quickly. The 16GB, not so much.

Thanks for the advice everyone

 

[Cha]

Littleodie914, I made the jump from a second gen nano to the 5th gen (but now I use the 6th gen). I personally had a problem with the 5th gen nano breaking on me (maybe because of sweat). But I was using the nano as my main player for running and daily activities. I am assuming that you will be using the shuffle for the runs.

I do had to admit that 6th gen is hard to change songs during my runs... Also, one warning about the headphones with the remotes... A lot of them do not handle sweat well, so they may begin to malfunction if sweat gets into the remote/mic. I have had my player randomly go into fast-forward mode or have a voice announce the names of the tracks during my workout. You can find on the Apple boards with a lot of runners who run into the same issues. So now I switch to a non-remote headphone for my workouts.

But overall the size of the 6th gen and visual navigation does win out for me. I had to alter some of my listening habits for the longer runs to accommodate the lack of physical navigation, but sometimes change is a good thing.

 

[tigress666]

But overall the size of the 6th gen and visual navigation does win out for me. I had to alter some of my listening habits for the longer runs to accommodate the lack of physical navigation, but sometimes change is a good thing.

What I've done for my motorcycle which there is no way to really control the ipod safely (physical buttons or not) is have a playlist of songs that I know won't irritate me while riding and are good riding/driving songs.

 

[Cha]

What I've done for my motorcycle which there is no way to really control the ipod safely (physical buttons or not) is have a playlist of songs that I know won't irritate me while riding and are good riding/driving songs.

A co-worker of mine also does the same thing (maintaining playlists). Do to my natural lazy tendencies I have not been too diligent in maintaining the lists... but I am beginning to lean that way. I will try it out this weekend and see how long I can keep it up.